Sprinkler device



Jan, 20, 1925. 1,523,608

F. E. RoAcH l SPRINKLER DEVI CE Filed sept. 5;' 1919 2 sheets-sheet 1 Jam, 20. E925.- 1,523,608

F. E. RoAcH SPRINKLER DEVICE Filed sept. 5, 1919 2 sheefs-sheet v2 Patented dan. 2Q, 192255,

UNTD STATES FINIS E. ROACH, OF CHICAGO, LLINOIS.

SPRINKLER DEVICE.

Application filed September 5, 1919.

T0 all 'toko/nait may concern- Be it known that l, Finis E. RoAoH, a citizen of the. United States, and a resident of Chicago, in the county of Cook and State of illinois, have invented certain new and useful Improvements in Sprinkler Devices; and l do hereby declare that the following is a full, clear, and exact description thereof, reference being had tothe accompanying drawings, and to the letters of reference marked thereon, which form a part of this specification.

This invention relates to improvements in lawn sprinklers, and more particularly, to that class of sprinklers provided with automatic means for the spraying nozzle in order to water a larger area of lawn than would be covered if the nozzle remained stationary. Accordingly, l have provided a lawn sprinkler with means operated by the flow of the water for moving the spraying nozzle in a circle so that a large circular area of lawn may be watered. l have also provided means for adjusting the sprinkler' so that the spraying nozzle will move only through a predetermined part of a circle; and upon reaching the end of its travel it automatically stops and shuts off' the vflow of water.

la addition to the. features mentioned above, my improved sprinkler is so designed that it may be made easily and cheaply; and readily assembled and taken apart for cleaning purposes. lt is also designed so that it will operate satisfactorily with water carrying a large amount of sediment.

The above mentioned objects of my invention and others will be more readily comprehended as l proceed with my specification.

It device embodying the objects of my invention is illustrated in the accompanying drawings in which:

Figure l is a view in perspective of my complete lawn sprinkler.

Figure 2 is a top plan View of the sprinkler.

Figure. 3 is a top plan view of the sprinkler with the cover plate removed and a pat, broken away.

Figure 5L. is a vertical sectional view on the line #1 -l of Fig. 2, looking in the direction indicated by the arrows.

Figure 5 is a horizontal sectional view on the line 5 5 of Figure Ll, looking in the Serial No. 321,764.

direction indicated by the arrows.

As shown in said drawings, the sprinkler comprises a casting consisting of a flat circular dish shaped chamber l, with a radially projecting part 2. These parts are covered b v a substantially circular cover plate 3 which has formed integrally with it an enlargement 4 affording a housing for some of the moving parts and a cover for the radially projecting part 2. TheI cover plate 3 is fastened to the casting of thel chamber 1 by means of the screws 8, 8, as shown.

ln the center ofthe chamber l is provided a small hole 5 which affords a bearing for the vertically mounted shaft 6, the bottom end of the shaft 6 being reduced in size as indicate by 7, in order to fit into such hole. Near the lower end of the shaft 6, there is provided the hub 9 with six radially extending vaines lO, l0. The. vanes 10, l()` are formed of. rectangulary shaped pieces of thin, stiff metal of suflicient length to extend from the hub 9 nearly to the vertical circular side wall of the chamber l, and of a width slightly less than the depth of said chamber. The shaft 6 is extendedupwardly above the hub 9 and has formed on its upper end, the worm l2. The extreme upper end of the shaft 6 is also reduced in diameter and journaled in av small hole 13 in the housing 4l. Horizontally mounted in the housing t, lying above the vanes l0, 10, is a shaft 2() with its ends 22, 22 reduced in size and journalled in holes. provided in such housing. On one end of the shaft 20 is mounted the pinion 23 adapted to mesh with the worm l2 and the other end of the shaft 2() is provided with the worm 25.

The radially projecting part 2, is cored out to form a water inlet, as indicated at 2G, for the purpose of admitting watery to the sprinkler. At its outer end this inlet 2b is provided with the internal threads 27 for the purpose of affording a connection with the end of a hose or other source o-f water supply. Near the inner endY of radial extension 2, inserted in a vertical hole which meets the inner end of the cored water inlet opening 26 and extending somewhat below said opening, is a tube 29, the upper. end of which is provided with a ange 30. The tube Q9 is; provided near its lower end with a. hole. 3l opening into the endof the water inlet` opening 26. Rotatably mounted on the upper end ofA theV tube 29 is."a .pinion llo tube 29 in order to prevent upward movement of the pinion. The sleeve 36 is also provided with an inwardly extending set screw 38, the inner end of which is adapted tov engage with the upper side of the `flange 30 inV order to vprevent downward movement Cil `of the pinion 35. Threaded on to 'the upper end of the sleeve 36 is the spraying nozzle 39, which is preferably conical in shape and is provided near its apex with the upwardly inclined water spray outlet 40. The outlet 40, I have shown tapered in order to form the issuing stream of water intov a spray but it is obvious that this opening may bel made in a variety of shapes. The tube 29 is held in place by the pin Il at its lower end.

It will be manifest that rotation of the shaft 6 will rotate the worm 12, the pinion 23, the shaft 20, the worm 25, and the pinion 35, thus rotating the spraying nozzle 39 causing the stream or spray issuing from the outlet 40 to water a large circular area of ground.

I will now describe the means I have provided for rotating said shaft 6. As stated before, the shaft 6 is provided with a hub 9, and radially projecting vanes 10, 10 lying in the dish shaped chamber 1 of the sprinkler. Entering this chamber l tangentially, is a small circular port of restricted cross sectional area, as compared with the water supply inlet 26.y This port 50 connects the bottom of the vertical hole provided in the. radially projecting part 2 in which the tube 29 is inserted with the water chamber 1, a corresponding hole being provided inthe tube 29 near its bottom end. The port 50 is controlled bv a needle valve, the threaded stem of which is indicated by 51 and the milled handle at the end thereof by 52. The port 50 is enlarged from its center to the end nearer the tube 29 in order to provide a Vseat 53 for the end of the stem 51 of the needle valve and to is also .obvious that .some of the water entering the tube 29 will pass through the port 50, when the' needle valve 51 is open, entering tangentially the chamber 1 of the sprinkler and impinging against the ends of the vanes 10, 10, thereby causing the hub 9 and the shaft 6 to rotate. When the chamber 1 of the sprinkler becomes full of water the stream of water entering through the port 50 tangentially will still impinge against the ends of the vanes 10, 1() to a certain extent and will also cause the body of water in the chamber 1 to rotate, thus continuing the rotary Amovement of the vanes 10, 10 and the resulting rotation of the shaft 6. The housing 4 is somewhat loosely fitted around the projecting` part 2 in order to leave the opening for the escape of waste water from the chamber 1. Y

I have also provided means which may be used, if desired,'for automatically stopping the rotation of the spraying Vnozzle at a pre determined point and shutting off the water. Such means comprise a valveV arranged in the inner end of the water inlet 'opening 26 consisting of the valve disc 7 O adapted to seat'by pressure of the inflowing Vwater on a seat 71 formed near the inner end of the inlet opening 26. The disc is mounted on the end of a rod or stem 72 which is adapted to slide in theY spider'73 mounted at the extreme inner'end of the water inlet Y opening 267 and a hole extending from the chamber 1 outwardly through the part 2 and meeting a correspon-ding` hole in the tube 29. The inner end of the stem 72 is bent upwardly with its end 75 extending` out tirough a T shaped slot in the top of the housing 4t. The cross slot of this T shaped slot is indicated by 76 and the slot meeting it at right angles by 77. The stem 72 is of such length that'when its end 75 lies in thc slot 76 as shown by the solid and dotted lines in Fig. 1 or in any part of the slot 76, the valve disc 70 is held off of its seat and the valve is open to permit the inflow of the water. The slot 77, however, meet ing the slot 76 at right angles is of such length that when the end 75 of the valve stem is opposite its open part where it joins the slot 76, the valve stem 72, -due to the pressure of water on the disc 7 0 moves inwardly a sufficient distance to allow the disc 70 to seat and cut off the flow of water. It is obvious that the inflowing current of water will continually exert pressure on the disc 79, which pressure will be transmitted through the stem 72 to the end 7 5. causing said end to bear against the side of the slot 76 at which the slot 77 enters. It is obvious also that since the slots 76 and 77 communicate with cach other. that when the end 7 of the stein is at any point in the slot 76 not opposite the opening of the slot 77,V the pressure of the water on the valve disc can not cause it to enter the slot 77. If, however, the end T5 ofthe stem is moved through the slot Tnntil it comes opposite the open or comn'mnicatmg end ot the slot 77, the pressure of the water on the disc, as

above described, will immediately cause the stem 75 to enter the slot 77 thus allowing the .disc to seat and shut otl1 the inflow of Water to the tube 29. I have provided the following means for moving the end T5 ot the valve stem through the slot T6 to bring it opposite the opening ot' the slot 77 in order to shut ott' the water and stop the spray as described above.

Such means comprise apin 8() extending radially from the spraying nozzle 39 and ot such length as to contact with they enl T5 ot the stem 72, when the nozzle rotates and moves the latter lengthwise in the slot To. The. slot 76 is so arranged Vthat such engagement and continued rotation of the nozzle S9 will move the end 75 of the stem 72 trom the end of the slot where it is shown in solid lines in Figure l toward the opposite end oi such slot until it comes opposite the opening of the slot 77-whereupon it Will enter said slot allowing the water to be sluit ott as described above.

Since the nozzle 39 is threaded on the end of the sleeve 36, a certain amount `oi: rotation of this nozzle on the sleeve^36 is a'ltorded which will permit the setting ot the pin S0 in any desired position so that its engagement with the end 75 ot' the valve stem may be caused to take place after the nozzle has rotated a predetermined distance.

l have made Vthe slot T6 of such length that when the 'end' 75 ot the valve stem is set at its end as indicated by dotted lines in Fig. l, it is a sufficient `distance 'from the rotating nozzle 39 so that it will not be engaged by the end of thepin S0. It is obvious, therefore, that Vwhen in this position the nozzle 39'Willcrotate continually, and a spray ot Water in a circular path be continuouslyvv given out.

It will be noted ythat the .vorms and pinions connecting the shaft 6 with the rotating nozzle 39 are of such ratios that the .nozzle will rotate very slowly. As shown, they are ot' such ratios that with the ordinary flo-w of water, the nozzle 8f) will make a complete rotation in about one hour. lt is obvious, however, that the ratios may be varied in order to increase or diminish the speed oi' yrotation of the nozzle without detracting from the spirit of my invention. lt is obvious also that as shown, certain variations of speed in the rota-tion of the nozzle 39 may be made by adjustment of the needle `valve 5l withconsequent regulation ot the amount and velocity ot flow of water through the-port 50.

fit the bottom ot the vertical hole in the radially projecting part- 2 in which is insei-ted the tube'QQ, Ihavey provided ascrew plug .()O which is adapted to be removed for cleaning purposes.

it -is obvious that water with a considerable amount ot sediment will not interfere with the operation ot the device since the rotation of the vanes lO, l() will cause sut- .ticient disturbance ot the water in chamber l, to keep any sediment in suspension and permit it to Al'low ott with the Waste Water through the discharge outlet 60. The circulation ot' waste water through the housing -t and by the worms l2 and Q5 and the pinions 23 and 35 will also operate to keep the engaging and moving parts free from sediment and permit their easy operation.

My device is cheap to manufacture, does not readily get out oi order, and lies flat on the ground, so that the Weight of the water in the chamber l counteracts any tendency to shift its placed position. TWhile Ato-the nozzle, means for closing the Ainlet valve. and means operated by the rotation ot said nozzle for automatically actuating said valvel closing means.

2. ln a lawn sprinkler, a tlat housing having an interior chamber and radially disposed vanos mounted to rotate therein` a radial projection integral with thefhousing ha ving an interior valved inlet adapted to be connected with a source o't` water supply, said valve being normally closed, means 'tor opening the valve, means Yfor supplying water 'trom the inlet to the vane chamber. a rotatable water nozzle operatively connected with the rotating vanes and with said water inlet, and means operated by said nozzle tor closing said valve.

In a lawn sprinkler` a housing pro vided with an interior vane chamber, a valved Water inlet and a water conduit connecting the inlet with the chamber, a rotatable spray nozzle operativelyv connected virtermediate the inlet and the vane chamber. rotatable vanes in said chamber opei'ativeljtY connected with the nozzle, means t'or opening the valve` against the pressure oit' the inliovving water, also means tor locking said opening means to retain the valve in its opened position and means controlled by the rotation ot said nozzle tor releasing said lockm means.

4. In a lawn sprinkler, a housing provided ivith an interior ,vane chamber, a

'valved water inlet and a water conduit connecting the inlet with the chamber, a rotatable spray nozzle operatively connected intermediate'the inlet and the vane chamber, rotatable vanes in said chamber operatively connectedV with the nozzle and means for opening the valve against the pressure of the intlowing water, also means for locking said opening means to-retain the valve in its opened position, including a slot through the chamber and a movable rod projecting there through and connected at its lower end to the valve and means controlled by the rotation of said nozzle for releasing said locking m-eans.

5. In a lawn sprinkler, a housing provided with an interior vane chamber, a valved water inlet and Va water conduit connecting the inlet with the chamber, al rotatable spray nozzle operatively connected intermediate the inlet and the vane chamber, rotatable vanes in said chamber operatively connected with the nozzle and means for opening the 'valve against the pressure of the inliowing water and also means associated with said nozzle Jfor disengaging said opening means to permit the closing of the valve by the pressure of the inflowing water.

6. In a lawn sprinkler, a housing provided with an interior vane chamber, a valved water inlet and a water conduit connecting Y the inlet with the chamber, a rotatable spray nozzle operatively connected intermediate the inlet and the vane chamber, rotatable vanes in said chamber operatively connected with the nozzle and means `for operating the valve against the pressure of the inflowing water and also means for disengaging said opening means to permit the closing of the valve by the pressure of the inflowing water, said disengaging means being operatively mounted upon the nozzle.

7. In a lawn sprinkler, a housing provided with an interior vane chamber, a valved water inlet and a water conduit connecting the inlet with the chamber, a rotatable spray nozzle operatively connected intermediate the inlet and vane chamber, rotatable vanes in said chamber operatively connected with the nozzle and means for opening the valve against the pressure of the inl/'lowing water and also means o-perated by said motor for disengaging said opening means to permit the closing of the valve by the pressure of the intlowingwater, 'said disengaging means including a rod secured at one end to the valve and having its other end projecting through the vane chamber, said rod having a movement in the direction of the aXis of the valve and a movement transverse thereto.

8. In a lawn sprinkler, a housing provided with an interior vane chamber, a valved water inlet chamber, a w ter conduit coniecting the inlet and the v ne chamber, and

with an overflow outlet, rotatable vanes in the vane chamber, a rotatable nozzle operatively connected with the inlet chamber and with the rotatable vanes, means `for opening the valve against the pressure of the inflowing water, and means controlled by said rotating vanes for permitting the closure of said valve.

9. In a lawn sprinkler, a housing provided with an interior van-e chamber, a valved water inlet chamber, a water conduit connecting the inlet and vane chambers, and with an overflow outlet, rotatable vanes in the vane chamber, arotatable nozzle operatively connected with the inlet chamber and with the rotatable vanes, means for opening the valve against the pressure of the inflowing water, and means controlled by said rotatable vanes for causing the closure of said valve.

vlO. In a lawn sprinkler, a housing provided with an interior vane chamber, a valved water inlet chamber, a water conduit connecting the inlet and vane chambers,

and with an overflow outlet, rotatable vanesV in the vane chamber, a rotatable nozzle opeatively connected with the inlet chamber and wit-h the rotatable vanes, means for opening the valve vagainst the pressure of theI iniiowing water, and also means actuated by the rotation of said nozzle for releasing the valve opening means. c

ll. In a lawn sprinkler, a housing with an interior vane chamber,.an inlet chamber, a valve arranged to be closed by the pressure of water in said inlet, a water conduit connecting the inlet and vane chambers, and with an overflow outlet, rotatable vanes in the vane chamber, a rotatable nozzle operatively connected with the inlet chamber and with the rotatable vanes', means for opening the valve against the pressure of the inflowing water, said housing being provided with a T shaped slot through its top wall and a rod proj eeting there through and operatively connecting with the valve stem, and means operated by said vanes for actuating said rod to release said valve..

12. In a lawn sprinkler, a housing provided with an interior vane chamber, a valved water inlet chamber, a water conduit connecting the Vinlet and-vane cha1nbers,and with an overflow outlet, rotatable vanes in the vane chamber, a rotatable nozzle operatively connected with the inlet chamber and with the rotatable vanes, means for opening the valve against the pressure of the inlowingwater and means' for regulating' the flow of water to the vane chamber when the valve is open, said housing being provided with a T shaped slot through its top wall and a rod projecting there through and operatively connecting with the valve stem, and means associated with the rotatable nozzle adapted to actuate said rod.

13. In a lawn sprinkler, a circular Water chamber, a rotatable Vane therein, a Water supply inlet74 a valve therein adapted to be Closed by the pressure ot' the intlowing Water, means for opening' the valve, a rotatable spray nozzle in oon'nnunieation with the supply inlet when the valve is open7 operative connections between the vane and the nozzle, a tangential Water inlet affording means for Conveying water to the water chamber when the valve is open, means for regulating the supply ot Water through the tangential inlet I means for locking the valve in its open position and means on the nozzle tor releasing the locking means to automatically close the valve by the pressure of the water from the source of supply.

In testimony, that I claim the foregoing as my invention I allix my signature in the present-e ot two Witnesses, this 2nd clay of 20 September, A. D. 1919.

FINIS E. ROACH.

lVitnesses B. L. MACGREGOR, E. A. KRULEWICH. 

